By Neeraj Nanda
Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmavaat’ is releasing on 25 January 2018 in cinemas across Australia and worldwide. It is the first Indian film that will have a global IMAX 3D release. Starring Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji. Based on the 16th-century Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic poem Padmavat, the movie faced resistance from its early stages due to a misinformation campaign but managed to overcome all odds. I caught up with Deepika Padukone (in Mumbai) on the phone from Melbourne a few days back where she candidly talked to me about her role and the film.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q-1: Do you call this movie a historical or what?
A-1: I would call it inspiring. It’s an inspiration, historic or not. I find Padmavati’s journey incredible.
Q-2: How was it like being Padmavati in the movie?
A-2: The fact that I have done this movie means at some level I have connected. The story needs to be told. I am glad we made this film.
Q-3: What’s the special thing about your dresses in the movie?
A-3: The dresses are suited to the culture and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s vision. They bring to life my character in the film.
Q-4: How tough was it to shoot wearing this heavy stuff?
A-4: Not difficult at all. At that time, you are not thinking of how heavy your dress or jewelry are but to be true to the moment.
Q-5: What difference the 3-D version of the movie makes?
A-5: It’s a visual difference. The 3-D experience is a visual treat. People also enjoy watching a movie in 3-D.
Q-6: Somewhere you said the movie was an emotional journey. Explain it.
A-6: Every film is an emotional experience at the creative level spending time on the film sets and spend so much of your energy creating these characters. It’s emotionally demanding.
Q-7: What makes the Ghoomar song and its picturisation so special?
A-7: It is exciting for me as an actress to have learned a new dance form. It is a tribute to Rajasthani folk culture and it is a visual delight. As an audience think what it will be on the big screen.
Q-8: What is your message to people waiting for Padmaavat?
A-8: We made it with lots of love and passion and we enjoyed the experience and hope all of you enjoy the experience.